The Ministry – No Soft Option.
Christian Leadership.
Ray N. Hawkins.
Introduction
Ministry focus: ‘I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has
given me strength, that He considered me faithful, appointing me to His
service.’ 1Timothy 1:12.
Those incompatible are made compatible! Strangers are made friends! Men and women considered the most unlikely, definitely unsuitable, are made choice examples. This is the wonder of God’s grace to us in Jesus Christ and displayed most wonderfully in His call to ministry.
When Paul wrote the verse quoted
above it was at the twilight of his ministry. Timothy who was his spiritual
‘son’ would have read the words with a tear in his eyes. It would spring from
his memory of fellowship in mutual ministry. He would have reflected on the
experiences of Paul as he laboured to proclaim and teach Jesus to both Jew and
Gentile. They had suffered various treatments meted out by unsympathetic mobs.
Then as Timothy’s eyes caught the words in the verse ‘I thank Christ Jesus’ a
wry smile must have crept over his face. Timothy knew the hard times Paul had
endured and still this dynamo of a man could honestly say “I’m grateful!” For what? “For entrusting
me with the burden of ministry!”
This verse is the hallmark of the
call to ministry. Most of us will never be called upon to endure the pressures
associated with Paul’s ministry.
However, the principle of gratitude should still be there. After more
than fifty years in ministry I still recall the wonder, the amazement that took
hold of me after four years of Bible College. I had not only survived the
course but was now about to enter into my ‘calling.’ The sense of awe has never
left me though there were dark times, dull moments and difficult situations to
overcome. I can only say “Amen!” to what Paul wrote. The Lord was his strength
and He is ours. The Lord counted Paul faithful may it be true of us.
In 1Timothy 1:12 the apostle gives a
brief testimony combined with praise to Jesus Christ. It is a worthwhile exercise
for each of us in ministry to write out our salvation testimony and our call to
ministry. Such information may well be a blessing and challenge to our own
family and friends concerning the grace and goodness of our Eternal God. Long
after we are called into the presence of our Lord such words can be used by His
Holy Spirit. He can use them to create a spiritual inheritance for our children
and their children.
The following devotions are meant to
be an opportunity for ministry refreshment, reminders of those moments of ‘awe’ and a renewal of commitment
to the calling of the Lord Jesus on our lives.
Raymond N.
Hawkins.
Contents.
Introduction
The call of Christ
Thank you
No soft option
Ministry is a love
affair
Boastful
Shadows of
Ordination
Battle fatigue
Deadly fossil
Primary role
Unauthorised fire
When God delays
An under-rower
Being an
under-rower
A Prisoner of
Christ Jesus
Little by little
A ministry
imperative
Breath of God
Ego centric leadership
Of thorns and
thistles
Preach the Word
Preach the Word #2
Straighten out the
way
Getting to know
you
Mutual ministry in
marriage
Wrestling with
Judas
Without me
The walk of the
ministry
Fast food sermons
Prayer’s Wardrobe
Scrutinized
Times up
Poem – The Badge
of Ministry
The Call of Christ
Key insight: You
did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit –
fruit that will last. John 15:16.
How many times did Jesus interact with Peter, James, John and Andrew before inviting them to “Come, follow me?” From the Gospel records it appears to have been at least a few times. How did Jesus capture the attention and allegiance of men such as Matthew, Simon the zealot, Nathaniel and others? There doesn’t seem to be any set routine apart from the sovereign grace and purpose of the Lord.
The stories of those called to the
ministry of the Good News of Jesus Christ all vary. Some are spectacular some
rather ordinary, yet just as real. The Christian ministry is the prerogative of
Jesus. It transcends academic achievement, physical prowess, tribal and
cultural hereditary. As He did in Matthew 4:19, so He does today. He invites
men and women to “come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men (and women).”
The call to ministry begins with the
Lord calling you to a more intimate and intense relationship with Himself. This
is implied in the word “come.” There’s the understanding that we have already
come to know Him in a salvation sense. My call came after the Lord worked on me
through my hypocrisy, ignorance and wilfulness to bring me to repentance and
submission. How would you define your call?
Jesus is the craftsman of the
disciple. As He prepares a person for ministry, He uses many and varied “tools”.
Experiences from the past are interwoven with His purposes for the future. Jesus ‘makes’ you fit for His service. For me
going to Bible College was essential. Not only for the equipping to pastor and
gaining Biblical understanding but also for having my rough edges and
uncouthness dealt with. Close quarters living has that effect. Looking back on
that time I realise that the Lord was fulfilling His word to “make me…” As any
of us look back into the past there are many incidents and attitudes which make
us chuckle, cry or cringe. What is important to realise is that as we are open
and honest with our Lord and commit these things to Him, He turns them into “equipping
tools.” This is so encouraging as well as humbling. It must make us bow in
wonder at the over-ruling mercy of our craftsman God.
Jesus treats us as individuals with
unique qualities, gifts, abilities, histories and personalities. He doesn’t
take all along an assembly line and turn us out as clones of some mystical or
magical idea of being a minister. When He called Peter and John and their
respective brothers He said He would make them “Fishers of Men.” I’m not very savvy about fishing in any of
its forms. This I do however know, there are many ways to fish. Trout fishing
or deep sea trawling, sitting on the end of a jetty to scuba-diving all require
their own skills. The same applies to your call to be a spiritual fisherman or
fisherwoman. God has in mind particular waters for you to fish in. To that end
He will seek to develop your wisdom, character and longing so that you may be
able to handle the stress and strain of the undertaking. We should never cast
our eyes over the waters of another and feel resentment that he or she is
catching more than us. Our responsibility is to be confident in being where the
Lord has placed us and be patient. Fishing in any form requires patience,
understanding of the conditions and needs of the fish. As ministers we know
that ultimate success in catching ‘fish’ is the Lord’s responsibility. Our
responsibility is to be faithful by ‘casting the line.’
Reflection: How long has it been since you recalled
your call to come follow Jesus so that He could make you His ‘fisherman or
fisherwoman?’ Have you thanked him lately for the awesome privilege invested in
His invitation? Do it now!
Request: Unworthy as I know I am in and of myself, this I rejoice in,
you are the worthy One and you have embraced me and drawn me into your service.
Continue to equip me to be the best ‘fisherman’ possible in the ‘stream’ by
which you have placed me. Amen!
Thankful
Day: 2
Key Insight: Give thanks in all circumstances, for this
is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians
5:18
The aged apostle expresses his
gratitude to God for appointing him to the work of the ministry. (1Timothy 1:12)
I wonder how Timothy took this. He knew the trials and tribulations which had
pursued Paul since the Damascus road conversion. (2 Timothy 3:10-12). Paul in
effect was saying, “Cheer up my son, it’s in the tough times you appreciate the
grace of God.”
To thrive rather than merely survive
in the Lord’s service requires an inner strength that goes beyond what a gym
can provide. Paul confessed that the strength for ministry flowed from Jesus
and is worked out in everyday life and tribulations. The Greek word Paul uses, endunameo, means ‘in-strengthened’. He
uses this word in Philippians 4:13 where it says, ‘I can do everything through
Him who gives me strength.’ This was no glib saying or pious bumper sticker. Here
was his personal testimony through the rough and tumble of life’s complexity
and difficulties.
We live in a corrupt world where the
holiness of God, the Cross of Christ and His salvation lifestyle are opposed,
slandered and ignored. As His representatives we will face similar treatment to
varying degrees. The hardest to handle are not those outside the Church who give
us a rough time. The hardest will be the ‘Corinthian spirit’ within the Church
(1 Corinthians 3:1-4). Disciples and
servants of Christ can be driven from the ministry and worship by such carnal
pressures. Such ungodliness should drive the faithful to the heart of Jesus.
There the strength to endure is found.
The time frame Paul alluded to is
interesting. Jesus considered him faithful long before Paul had been appointed
to the ministry. Any who are called to serve the Lord should find this a
wonderful encouragement. In my case Jesus saw beyond my immaturity and
frivolity and considered me faithful. In spite of obvious weaknesses the Lord
took me under His supervision and wrought out of me what He first worked in.
His trust is an unbeatable incentive to honour his confidence.
Faithfulness doesn’t mean
failure-less. Faithfulness doesn’t mean having all the answers. Faithfulness is
remaining true to the Lord and His Word and learning from personal mistakes:
finding wisdom: forgiving and being forgiven. Many a congregation must surely
warrant some type of medal from the Lord for their grace and patience with
novice preachers. How fortunate would be these beginners in the pulpit to have
some sensitive and godly person take them under their ‘wing.’ A good example of
such a thing happening in the New Testament concerned Aquila and Priscilla.
This couple got beside Apollos, invited him into their home, and explained the
way of God more adequately. (Acts 18:26).
Paul was apostle, prophet and pastor
beyond peer. In 1 Timothy 1:12 he used one of the lowliest term to describe the
heights of Christian service. Paul was eternally grateful that Jesus had made
him a deacon, a table waiter. Why choose this title? Probably because it was
the one Jesus applied to Himself in Matthew 20:28, ‘…the Son of Man did not come
to be served, but to serve…’ Jesus served Humanity as a Deacon. He most
wonderfully demonstrated that at the Passover meal by washing the disciples’
feet. Paul would not presume to put himself above his Lord. Nor should we!
Reflection: In your present stage of ministry how
burns the passion? Do you need to find a quiet place and regain your inner
strength from your Lord? He has counted
you faithful? What are you doing to prove His verdict correct?
Request: Strengthen me within so that I might be faithful for you. May
those who are looking to me in the various stresses and strains of ministry
know you are my endunameo Amen!
No Soft Option
Day: 3
Key insight: Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy
the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers
throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings, 1 Peter 5:8 – 9.
‘Timothy,
my son…fight the good fight holding onto faith and a good conscience.’ 1
Timothy 1:18, 19.
‘Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to
your care.’ 1Timothy 6:20.
This
doesn’t allow the servant of Jesus to act ungraciously, viciously or
intemperately. It means standing firm for the Truth and Holiness of Jesus. It
means defending the integrity of His calling. It means unmasking those who have
slithered into leadership positions whilst denying the Lordship of Jesus.
History past and present reveals such a stand is costly. Such godless
characters use their cunning, charisma and corruption to resist the Truth and
cower the opposition.
Jude’s advice is
simple and sublime. He informed the reader about protection from the infectious
plague carried by the devil’s disciples. ‘Build yourselves up in your most holy
faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait
for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.’ Verses
20, 21. Only then can the true man of God be equipped to confront the peddlers
of lies.
Among Paul’s last
recorded words to Timothy is a reminder that ministry is no soft option. ‘But
you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an
evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.’ Then Paul adds a brief
testimony ‘I have finished the race, I have fought the good fight, I have kept
the faith 2 Timothy 4:5–8. What a great epithet to have on one’s tombstone!
Reflection: What sporting or defence force imagery would
I use if I were writing to someone about my ministry at this moment? How
spiritually equipped am I to measure up to its demands? What steps am I taking
to improve my ‘fitness?’
Ministry is a Love Affair
Day: 4
Key Insight: Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the
third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know
that I love you.” John 21:17.
Ministry is a love
affair with Jesus.
Ministry is also a
burden unable to be relinquished without a sense of loss. Paul cried out ‘…I am
compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel.’ 1 Corinthians
9:16. The burden, no matter how great is
carried because of love for the Lord. In fact it is when our love is weak that
we notice the burden. Once our eyes are off the Lord we see the magnitude of
the task: the wretchedness of sinfulness: the fickleness of people and our own
weaknesses. Such burdens are simply too much to handle and carry! bear!
When my devotion to the Lord is
weak and waning then too my capacity to love others is weakened. From a
Biblical viewpoint all relational breakdowns really stem from fading love. When
John said we love because Christ first loved us it also implies the reverse.
When our love for the Lord is dim so too our capacity to love others. When we
refresh our love for Jesus the statement by Paul to the Thessalonians will
happen. ‘May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and
for everyone else…May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless
and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with
all his holy ones.’ 1 Thessalonians 3:12–13.
Request: Refresh my heart Lord
in your love. May my ministry express the heartbeat of my love for you in word
and deed! Amen
Day: 5
Key insight:
‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’ 1 Corinthians 1:31.
So many times in
Christian conferences the gifted speaker or talented artist have used God to
draw attention to themselves. Whether they are conscious of it or not the
impression imparted puts the Lord God in their debt. The ego has very cunning
ways of robbing God of His glory. Paul had a most effective way of controlling
his soul nature and its tendency to puff itself up. He reminded himself and his
readers of what he was and from what Jesus had delivered him. More over he goes
on to boast of pain, suffering, opposition, loss and a burning, burdened heart
for the lost. Following are some verses worthy of following and applying to our
own situations.
In 2 Corinthians
Paul uses the Greek word for boasting at least 21 times. It is apparent
boasting played a big part in Society and Church life in Corinth. Do you think
it has changed much in our scene today? Paul knows he could play this ‘Ace’ of
the soul nature. But to what purpose? People with inflated egos are rarely open
to hearing what others want to say. The apostle begins to confound them by
overturning the grounds for boasting. In
2 Corinthians 12:1–6 Paul says he knew a man who had experienced ‘inexpressible
things’ but so what! Paul would rather boast about his weaknesses and not about
inside knowledge of Paradise.
The greatest cause
for boasting is the Cross. Here is Heaven’s priority for boasting. Our mouth has
reason for praise and glory. Why? Because of what Jesus has done in our lives
through His cross and resurrection.
Reflection: Can I truthfully agree with Paul about
Galatians 6:14? Why!
Request: Beloved Lord may my
life and pulpit ministry reflect my boasting of your grace.
Shadows of Ordination
Day: 6
Key Insight: You did not choose me, but I chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.’ 17:16.
Leviticus 8:5
informs us about the instruction to be given. It wasn’t a matter of choice. It
was commanded! As we walk with the Lord in ministry there are still
unchangeable requirements He places upon us.
Leviticus 8:10–13
tells us of the anointing of the tabernacle along with Aaron and his sons. Here
was a unique identification with the place of God, the High Priest and the
everyday servant. What an awesome privilege! What a frightening responsibility!
Surely the same unique relationship remains today. We are called into positions
that bring us precious encounters with God through the Scriptures, service and
worship. These we are to share with His people. At the same time we bring the
burdens given us by the people and place them before God. To act without the
anointing of the Holy Spirit would be beyond the long term capacity of any
person. It would also be an act of presumption towards our Heavenly Lord.
The fourth
sacrifice was the ‘wave offering.’ Here in symbolic form is the individual who
was redeemed, made fragrant and covered by the previous sacrifices. He or she
is presented to the Lord. Now the ministry begins. Ministers of the Gospel are
called by the Holy Spirit to declare the person and work of Jesus. As such our attitude
needs to mirror the ‘wave offering’ of gratitude for such an unparalleled
privilege. To whom is it offered? To our Heavenly Father!
Battle Fatigue
Day: 7
Key insight: Then, because so many people were coming
and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come
with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31.
In the midst of
battle or stressful situations there’s an adrenalin surge. It helps us maintain
the necessary inner resources for a successful outcome. When the pressure is
off a strange reaction sets in. We find ourselves physically, emotionally and
spiritually exhausted. What is required can be summed up in the words ‘Rest and
Re–creation.’ Without this ‘R and R’ our ability to handle ongoing stresses and
strains of ministry and everyday family life is severely depleted. Unwelcome
consequences may then arise.
Request: I desire to draw aside to a quiet place and meet with you in
intimacy once again. Help me to trust in your sovereign over-ruling in my
ministry activities during this ‘R and R.’ Amen.
The Deadly ‘Fossil’
Day: 8
Key insight: Today,
if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.
Hebrews 3:15.
1 Kings 13 has a
depressing story of a ‘fossilized prophet.’ All ministers would do well to heed
its message. The amount of detail preserved in Scripture concerning this man
must surely be as a warning for all in the service of the Lord. As the years
roll over us and we deal with the rawness of people’s experiences we need to be
on guard. We should to be alert to any hardening influences which want to creep
into our spirits. The ‘Old Prophet’ syndrome is easily caught and hard to
overcome. Don’t let it be your obituary notice in Heaven’s log book.
How did this man, unnamed,
become spiritually hard, barren and ‘deadly?’ He would not have set out to
become what we read about him. The paralysis of the spirit must have been
insidious, slow and poisonous. His call to serve Yahweh was during the reign of
Solomon. When that king died the nation was divided into the North and South
kingdoms. Jeroboam established two rival religious and political centres. Their
aim was to seduce his supporting tribes from going to Jerusalem in accordance
with the Law. It worked! It was idolatrous but it worked. Did the old prophet
speak up for Yahweh’s law and worship? Did he denounce such treason? Did he
lose heart because no one seemed to listen? Did he think that silence was
safety? What forces were in play to keep him in Bethel which no longer meant
the house of God? His subsequent behaviour revealed the hardening power of
compromise and indifference to the Word of God!
We live in a multi–cultural
and litigious society. As such it’s hostile to the moral and spiritual
doctrines of Scripture. The safety of silence can become a wonderful hideout.
Whilst our Lord did call us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves He didn’t
ask us to be mute. Nor does He expect us to back pedal on what His word
declares. Ministry has to be gracious, not necessarily popular.
Another question seeks
an answer. How were the Fossilized Prophet’s family affected by his betrayal of
the Law’s doctrine and duty? Would they have had any interest in the things of
Yahweh? If they bothered to go to any form of worship how genuine could it have
been? To cap it all would his treatment of the ‘man of God’ be a stumbling
block too high to climb? Did he care? There is such a high price to pay with
wide ranging consequences when you are comfortable with the reign of a
Jeroboam.
Fossils may hold
pride of place in museums, but in Heaven they have no place of honour.
Reflection: How can I combat any fossilising
tendencies in my soul? My heart responds, ‘I press on to take hold of that for
which Christ Jesus took hold of me.’ (Philippians 3:12b.)
Request: Use the ‘hammer’ of your word to smash any hardening in my
heart. May the older I get the more
committed to you and your word I become. Amen.
The Primary Role
Day: 9
Key Insight: You must teach what is in accord with
sound doctrine. Titus 2:1.
Malachi 2:6 makes
three comments about the life of Levi because of his appreciation of Yahweh.
‘True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He
walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin.’ These three
expressions of a relationship with the Eternal can also be found in our
ministries.
The third comment
made is that Levi turned many from sin. To be God’s instrument in reclaiming a
person from sin’s grip is an incomparable joy. To have the privilege of seeing
them transformed into trophies of His grace is wonderful. How is it possible
for this to take place? 1Timothy 4:16: ‘Watch your life and doctrine closely.
Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your
hearers.’ It isn’t emotionalism: it isn’t ‘Christian entertainment’: it isn’t
soft pedalling God’s Word. It is however living the Truth: teaching the Truth:
feeding on the Truth and allowing the Spirit of Truth to strike another’s heart
through speaking the Truth.
Malachi 2:7
explains the reason. A man or woman of God is His messenger! They are not
delivery boys or girls of the latest religious theory or fashion. Messengers of
The Most High have knowledge of Him to publish abroad. They have personalised God’s
instruction through experience and devotion so as to show its relevance. Where
does he or she receive all this? From the Holy Spirit making His Word alive and
active to the Messenger! Then with burning heart and quivering lips the
minister makes it known to all with ears to hear.
Reflection: Am I more awe struck about Jesus today than
a year ago? How do I display my
reverence for Him?
Request: May my lips speak the overflow from the fountain of life
flowing in my heart. May what I share quench the thirst of those with whom I
minister. Amen.
Unauthorised Fire.
Day: 10
Key Insight: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom
that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with
reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28–29.
Yahweh’s
spectacular rescue mission on behalf of Israel could have produced a sense of
national complacency. He watched over them, opened the Red sea for them,
provided for them, protected them, judged them and brought them to the desert
of Sinai. That sense of smugness changed at Mount Sinai. His dramatic
‘appearance’ in thunder, lightning, with thick cloud covering and fire created
fear. A realisation of God’s glory and holiness made them tremble. The Lord God
who redeemed was to be obeyed not played with.
When the
Tabernacle and Priesthood were being instituted the family of Aaron was given
the Priesthood. At the outset it was stressed such a venue and ministry was
unique. It was set apart from the everyday and linked to the very character of
Yahweh. The ordination for the
Priesthood begins in Leviticus 8 and 9 in a very impressive and symbolic
manner. Aaron and his four sons had detailed instructions to follow. Something
possessed Nadab and Abihu, to imagine they had a better way than that which Yahweh had outlined. They along with Eleazar and Ithamar had just experienced the wonder of ordination to ministry. This was the culmination of an encounter with God on Mount Horeb. Had it been too much for Nadab and Abihu’s egos? Leviticus 10:1 says they offered unauthorised fire before the Lord. Their self will changed celebration into lamentations. God struck them down.
Leviticus 10:9
sees the Lord add to the ordination requirement, ‘you and your sons are not to
drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the tent of meeting,
or you will die.’ Does this give us a clue to what caused Nadab and Abihu to
act so irresponsibly? The Lord requires those who worship Him and, more so
those who minister before Him, to be clear headed and self controlled. It is interesting
to note that the kings of Israel had similar obligations. (Proverbs 31:4–5) If
we consider ourselves as ‘kings and priests’ of the Lord God do such
restrictions apply today?
It would appear as
though they had chosen to enter into the precincts of the Tabernacle to do
their own thing. They would worship or serve God as they thought best. Here was
a serious breach of trust, an act of disrespect and a challenge to the
authority of the Lord. They had been redeemed and commissioned for His
purposes. Their death was to be a testimony to the danger of abusing the grace
and glory of God. Why? ‘You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for
the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.’ Exodus 20:7
As ministers of
the Gospel we are to uphold the holiness of the Eternal God, the integrity of
the Cross and the uniqueness of the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Familiarity can breed contempt or coarseness with sacred things. A healthy fear
of our Lord will be our safeguard. In our presentations we have latitude of
method but we have no room to move in regards to the message. Culture has its
challenges to making the Bible relevant. Regardless of the cultural environment
Christ Jesus’ servants live in the Gospel and the Glory of God must remain
unchanged. Hebrews 12:10: ‘Make every effort to live in peace with all men and
to be holy; without holiness no-one will see the Lord.’
Reflection: What is the quality of the ‘fire’ that
burns within my being? Is what I’m saying, doing and living acceptable to the
Lord God I am called upon to honour and proclaim?
Request: I do not want my ministry and lifestyle to take your Name in
vain. May the fire that burns within be
what you have started and maintained by your Holy Spirit. Amen.
When God Delays
Day: 11
Key insight: Be joyful always; pray continually; give
thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1
Thessalonians 5:16–18.
The disciples must
have wondered what hit them. From out of nowhere the storm had struck. How long
they struggled is not mentioned however it must have been an extended period of
time. Did they wonder ‘where was their Lord when they needed Him’? Why He hadn’t
come to their aid? He’d been there for them before when they were in similar
strife. At that time they woke Him because of their fear. He stilled that storm
(Matthew 8:23–28). Where was He in this one?
In ministry, as well
as in everyday Christian living, sudden, unexpected ‘storms’ blow down upon us.
These may be theological issues, personality conflicts or financial
difficulties, to name just three. Each one is whipped up or made worse by the
bad breath of Satan. Our ‘rowing harder’ is usually in the form of increasingly
urgent prayers and promises. In this mix are questions about where in all of
this is the Lord?
In John 6:1–3
Jesus went into a mountain not only to get away from an emotional crowd of
‘king makers’ but to pray. Was it also to give space for the disciples to
experience another Faith lesson? Being Passover the moon would have been full
and Jesus could have seen their struggles. Why didn’t He go immediately to
their aid? Only He knows the real reason. We can only surmise. If we are honest
with ourselves, similar emotions play in our minds in such times.
According to the
Scriptures Jesus is our ever present companion. His assurance to never forsake
us is intellectually comforting when the going is smooth. The problem comes in
the storm. Emotion devours the confidence of faith. The physical swamps the
spiritual. We don’t ‘feel’ the closeness of our Lord and Saviour and we wonder ‘where
is He?’ It doesn’t mean He has withdrawn from us. It may be He has something of
a Faith lesson for us to experience. He is praying for us similar to the prayer
He prayed for Peter, ‘I have prayed for you, Simon that your faith may not
fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.’ (Luke 22:32).
Within our nature
there is a perverse streak. It imagines Jesus should be at our beck and call.
What an insipid, spineless disciple we would be if Jesus simply allowed us to
‘sail over the mill pond of life to Heaven’s shore?’ Life isn’t like that in
this fallen soul saturated playground of the Devil (1 John 5:19). To exercise
our call to ministry is to be witnesses unto Jesus Christ not theorists. We
must face the natural and the spiritual storms of life by faith, perseverance
and a godly attitude. Only then will faith be firm not fanciful.
Why didn’t the
rowing disciples abandon the boat? One reason may well be that to do so would
find them in greater peril. The only real option was to ‘hang in there’ and see
how the Lord would act. Patience and perseverance are different aspects of
trust in the goodness of God. The former seems to embrace a waiting in comfort
or anxiety. The latter is shrouded in pain and strife, the gritting of the
teeth and the steeling of the heart to hold on until God acts.
How strange it is
to read the attitude of the disciples when Jesus turned up. Thinking He was a
ghost they were terrified. His reassuring words of self disclosure must have
calmed their hearts long before they realised the wind and waves had abated.
Many of us can undoubtedly identify with the disciples’ confusion and then
relief. So often when the Lord acts in our own ‘storms’ we fail to recognise
Him. This isn’t because of unbelief or ignorance but from weariness from the
struggle to stay ‘afloat.’ After we recover our breath then should come the
bended knee and the thankful words.
Reflection: Are
there ‘storms’ brewing around me? Am I confident in God’s grace?
Request: Help me to trust you in the ‘squalls and storms’ of life. Tune
my ear to hear your voice and know your peace above the roar of the ‘waves’.
An ‘Under-rower’
Day: 12
Key Insight: ‘…when God, who set me apart from birth
and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might
preach Him among the Gentiles.’ Galatians 1:15–16.
Not everyone has
the ‘Damascus road’ conversion. Neither do they have such a revealing call to
ministry. God deals with us in His own unique way. However Jesus called you
into His service, there is the underlying purpose as expressed to Paul in Acts
26:16: ‘I have appeared to you…to make you a minister and a witness…’ The term
‘minister’ is actually from the Greek ‘Huperetes’ and means an under-rower.
What a humbling title for this converted Pharisee. Other Greek words are
translated ‘minister’ by Paul and in which he seems to have actually delighted
in. Two other humbling descriptions can be mentioned. One is ‘doulos’ meaning
bond slave and the other ‘diakonos’ defining a table waiter. W.E. Vine wrote,
‘Doulos, in relation to his master; diakonos views a servant in relation to his
work; huperetes, in relation to his superior.’ (Expository Dictionary of New
Testament Words.)
Notice that the
Lord is quoted as saying He would ‘make’ Paul a minister (under-rower) and a
witness. That implies such a position doesn’t come naturally. Why? Probably
because our soul nature wants to have the pre-eminent role! It wants control.
This spiritual issue could be called the Diotrephes syndrome. 3 John 9: ‘I
(John) wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have
nothing to do with us.’
In Paul’s training
for ministry Jesus took him to Arabia (Galatians 1:17). Was this the place the
future apostle to the Gentiles learnt the art of being ‘huperetes?’ In wasn’t a
short course either. Nor did Paul burst upon the World scene from out of
Arabia. It seems to me that it was back in Tarsus where Paul served his
apprenticeship. Once proven the Lord arranged for a wider ministry.
The Lord desires
to take us to our own ‘Arabia.’ This is
the place where we gain both a deeper insight of being under His command. He
will also have places arranged for our ‘apprenticeship’ where lessons learnt
are applied and refined. The church scene is littered with formerly keen
‘wantabees’ for ministry who didn’t like their ‘Arabia or Tarsus.’ Once we
accept the Lord’s ‘school’ and been found faithful we are equipped to proceed.
Acts 26:18 is a
powerful summary of being an effective ‘under-rower.’ ‘…to open their
(Gentiles) eyes and turn them from the power of Satan to God, so that they may
receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith
in me.’ The first feature is to ‘open their eyes…’ This means that a spiritual
blindness has overtaken the descendents of Adam and Eve. ‘Eyes they have but
see not…’ is on the lips of Jesus many times. It is also the frustration which
snaps at the work of His servants. It isn’t the lack of evidence which is the
problem. It’s a person’s unwillingness to believe it. In ministry we realise
very quickly our impotency in opening the eyes of the blind by our own wit and
wisdom. Only the Holy Spirit can do this and He will do it in His time. So what
are we to be in this case? We are His ‘tubes’ bearing the ointment of the grace
and power of the risen Lord. When the Lord knows it is the right time He
through you and me will touch the person’s spiritual eyes.
The second feature
is to ‘turn them from darkness to light.’ Here again we are instruments in the
Master’s hand. Through our obedient lifestyle and speaking, the light of
Calvary’s love can shine out. What we
have personally experienced and rejoiced in confronts those in sin’s darkness.
Our testimony verifies Colossians 1:13: ‘For He has rescued us from the
dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son.’ What is
required by those in the ‘shadows’ is a desire for the Light. This will birth
courage for Sin will not let the person go easily. Faith grabs the willing but
fearful believer’s hand to leads it out of darkness. The minister is not the
deliverer. That is the Lord’s role. We are the spiritual attendants to assist
with prayer, encouragement, teaching and a strong shoulder to lean on.
One of the dangers
in ministry is to try and manipulate a person into turning from the things of
Darkness towards the Light. Inducements of any form do not work. Only the Holy
Spirit can bring a man or woman to the point where they are willing to pay the
price to dwell in the Light. There is nothing more wonderful for a minister to
savour as an under-rower than to be Christ’s link to a person hearing the good
news. The joy does not stop there. It has only begun. Now the Commander expects
His under-rower to unpack for the new believer the treasures found in the
Light.
Reflection: Have I understood my calling in the light
of such terms as ‘bond servant’, ‘table
waiter’ and ‘under-rower?’
Request: Lord, train me to be a faithful and competent under-rower
rowing to the beat of your ‘drum.’
Being an Under-Rower #2
Day; 13
Key Insight: Men ought to regard us as servants
(huperetes) of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 1
Corinthians 4:1.
The apostle in
Acts 26 defined another aspect of his work, and ours, ‘to…turn them from…the
power of Satan to God…’ This is a war briefing. Living in a Christianized
country we can be lulled into thinking the World system isn’t too bad. It’s easy
to imagine people only need emotional prompting or logical persuasion to
believe. Far from it! Christians are dwellers in enemy territory and ministers
in particular are front line combatants. Those to whom we minister are in
Satan’s grip and he won’t let them go easily. Accepting this helps us to
understand the moral and spiritual pressure we experience.
When we preach,
teach and live the Gospel, we are taking on the power of Satan. The lives of
those to whom we witness don’t understand their condition. What then is the
power of Satan? His names reveal his power and hold over Humanity. Satan means
adversary and is always used in the New Testament as the one who hates God, the
Christ and believers. He and his cohorts seek to destroy, impede and corrupt
any work done that honours Jesus Christ. Satan opposes every effort to draw
people into the Light of God. In John 10:10a Jesus likens Satan to a thief
intent on stealing, killing and destroying. He is called a roaring lion in 1
Peter 5:8 seeking to devour. The wonderful testimony we have as ministers of
Christ is that Satan has had his ‘teeth’ pulled. Also, we have the knowledge
that Satan’s doom is sealed according to Revelation 20:2, 10.
His other name is
the Devil or Diabolos, meaning an accuser, slanderer. He knows this is a
powerful weapon to wield against us. He
doesn’t have to lie when he accuses us of our sin, treason and short-comings. Our
defensive weapon is Colossians 2:13–15: ‘When you were dead in your sins and in
the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He
forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the written code, with its
regulations, that was used against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it
away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities,
He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.’ This
victory is repeated in Revelation 12:10–11 ‘The accuser of our brothers who
accuses them before our God day and night has been hurled down. They overcame
him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.’
The invitation
from Jesus to be part of his ‘rowing team’ comes with its own victory chant “He
is risen! Hallelujah!” We also have our own banner to ‘fly from our mast.’
Fluttering over our life is the cross. That is underscored by the power of the
blood of Christ Jesus. His poured out life provides forgiveness and cleansing,
definitely. It also is the source of overcoming power from accusations from the
adversary. This is why we can apply Psalm 20:5 to our lives: ‘We will shout for
joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our
God.’ He is our victory for, the Lord Jesus is our Saviour, refuge and
defender. What great news we have to a world struggling against the perverted power
of Satan and facing the judgement of the Holy and Righteous God. Maybe this
will help you understand why the kingdom of darkness resists the preaching of
the cross.
Reflection: Am I open to Satan’s blackmail for things
unconfessed and unrepented sin in my life, whether past or present? Do I
believe that Jesus has dealt with these matters at the cross? Has Jesus become
my defence lawyer in the courtroom of Heaven?
Request: Lord, I want to be a faithful under-rower, witness and herald
of your gospel to a blind and dying world. Amen.
A Prisoner of Christ Jesus
Day: 14
Key insight: Pray for us too, that God may open a door for
our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in
chains. Colossians 4:3.
As prisoners of
Faith speaking to prisoners of unbelief, what we offer can make it worthwhile for
them to exchange ‘chains.’ In Acts 25
and 26 are such words as ‘hope in what God has promised’: ‘God has raised the
dead (referring to Jesus) to bring light into their darkness: to deliver from
Satan’s power:’ ‘receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are
sanctified by faith in me (Christ.).’ We
must always see beyond the taunts prisoners of unbelief throw our way as they
flaunt their seemingly unrestricted lifestyle. As Proverbs says of them, there
is a way which seems right unto man but the end of it is death. (Proverbs
16:25) For the prisoners of Christ the end is Life eternal and beautiful.
Therefore from one prisoner to another heed these words, ‘As a prisoner for the
Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
(Colossians 4:1.)
Being the Lord
Jesus’ prisoner has its limitations and at times we can feel a little
despondent. Others advance within the World’s scene, accumulating honours,
possessions and money and we are despised. It can hurt when they look with
scorn or pity on you as you serve under the direction of the Master. Our
spiritual sanity can only be assured as we keep our eyes on Jesus Christ. He must
be our life, our hope, our true freedom and our message.
Reflection: What makes being a prisoner of Christ
Jesus worthwhile?
Request: May my commitment to you be something that causes someone
somewhere to see it as a magnificent madness. Amen.
Little by Little
Day:15
Key
insight: Everything that
was written was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the
encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4.
Some Christians, including ministers, treat
the Old Testament as having little if any bearing upon their daily faith walk.
This robs them of important and helpful principles and creates blind spots in
their spiritual growth and service. Paul defied that outlook in the verse
quoted above. In fact he believes everything recorded in the Scriptures (what
we now call the Old Testament) was there for our benefit.
Moses endeavoured to prepare the nation for
this reality. Exodus 23:30: ‘Little by little I will drive them out before you,
until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.’ It’s always a
challenge when reading such promises. God said He would do the driving out, but
Israel had to do the ‘putting down of the foot.’ Then they needed to hold the
ground. The same principle applies to our ministry. When the Lord calls us to
undertake some task He has already prepared the way. He expects us to walk it
in step with His purposes and character. Jesus Christ has never promised us an
uncontested ministry. In fact the opposite is true as a reading of John 15 and
16 details.
Across the years keen men and women of God have
been in a hurry to do great things for God. Such enthusiasm is not always
matched with wisdom and patience. Hurt saints, fractured ministries, impotent
churches and unconquered territory make for heartbreak. Why is this? Certainly
it wasn’t in the plan of God so it lies within the heart and ego. When leaders
forget such words as perseverance, patience, long-suffering and grace the
tendency is either to burnout or bully the people.
Forty years after Moses gave the nation
those principles for conquest another was about to implement them. Joshua’s
opening chapter should make you aware of the challenge woven into the phrase
‘little by little.’ In Joshua 1:3 is the promise, ‘I will give you every place
where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.’ If Joshua thought it was going
to be a ‘breeze’ (which I’m sure he didn’t, others might have.) we read in Joshua
1:6, ‘Be strong and of good courage…’ It is repeated in verses 7, 9 and 18.
Surely this was to impress upon him and the nation that each ‘foot’ of
territory was going to be contested.
However the assurance rang out ‘As I was with Moses, so I will be with
you; I will never leave you or forsake you.’ Joshua 1:5.
Reflection: As you contemplate where you are at this
moment in your ministry, are there insights from the conquest principles you
need to apply and understand?
Request:
I’m impatient Lord! There
is so much to do. Help me to be strong, courageous, patient, gracious and take
things little by little. Amen.
A Ministry Imperative
Day: 16
Key Insight: Do your best to present yourself to God as
one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly
handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15.
‘To present yourself to God’ has overtones of a formal meeting being
arranged. Hebrews 13:17: defines God’s servants as ‘men who must give an
account.’ There is an official reporting time already set by the Lord. We
should not take this lightly. It will deal with our calling as ministers not
about our salvation. Between now and that time we have opportunity to get
ourselves ready to meet our Master. The
words used by Paul when taking Communion become good advice in this matter. 1
Corinthians 11:31: ‘If we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgement.’
Such a self assessment must be under the scrutiny of scripture. It requires of
us honesty and an acceptance of what the Bible has to say on personal issues
touched upon.
‘As one approved’ means you have passed the inspection. You
have been tried, tested and you stand true. Your testimony of God’s
faithfulness is vouched for by others and your conscience as you stand
confident in His Word. In a sense the
words of Peter can be applied to you, ‘. . .your faith – of greater worth than
gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may prove genuine and may
result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you
have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you
believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. . .’
(1
Peter 1:7– 8)
‘A workman’ is often used in Scripture for a field
labourer. How applicable! As workman with and in the Gospel we work in the
harvest field called the world. From Jesus’ parables dealing with fields some
ministry insights are gleaned. There are those who sow seed, rock removers,
bird chasers, weed pullers and reapers. At any one time we might be found doing
anyone of those tasks. We must know the tools of our trade. In this context it
is of course the Scriptures. The Master’s equipment for the various tasks can
be found in His ‘toolshed’ of His word. Do we know what ‘implement’ to use and
how to handle it when confronted by weed scatterers or birds?
‘Who correctly handles…’ expresses competency and confidence in
the equipment. It is apparent that Scripture can be mishandled, misrepresented
and misunderstood. Some of this is from ignorance and at other times from evil
intent. As with any craft the implements
take time to master. We who are the Lord’s field workers must apply ourselves
with diligence to mastering the many facets of God’s toolbox. The wonder of
what is in this toolbox never ceases to amaze the faithful student and experienced
worker.
Reflection: The Lord and Saviour will one day call me
into His presence to give an account of my ministry. At this moment what is a
reasonable expectation of what He’d most probably say to me?
Request: Equip me to be a qualified
and diligent field worker within the place of your appointment. When I take
hold of the Logos may I have the sense that in some way I am handling or
hanging onto Jesus!
Breath of God
Day: 17
Key Insight: I am about to open my mouth; my words are
on the tip of my tongue. My words come from an upright heart; my lips sincerely
speak what I know. The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty
gives me life. Job 33:2–4.
Part of the
ministry of the Lord Jesus was to bring such a new creation into being. The
impediments to this miracle of grace were overcome at the Cross. In John’s
gospel we read of the Lord’s promise that the Holy Spirit would come (John 14
and 16). Acts 2 the account of Heaven once again breathing life giving Breath
into men and women.
How does this
relate to our being servants of God?
If we accept the
Biblical description of Humanity in Ephesians 2 the impossibility of our task
is overwhelming. Men and women are spiritually dead to God, objects of wrath
and slaves to the prince of this World. In effect we are confronted by the
equivalent of Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones. In a similar manner
if asked ‘could these bones live?’ we would make the same evasive reply ‘O
Sovereign Lord, you alone know.’ (Ezekiel 37:3). No amount of emotionalism,
logic, persuasion or promises could give life to the dry, scattered bones. What
was the prophet commanded to do? ‘Prophesy to these bones and say to them, Dry
bones, hear the word of the Lord!’ How did Ezekiel feel at that command? A bit
silly or surprised! Still he did as commanded and spoke the word of God to this
most unpromising congregation. ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these
bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach
tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put
breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the
Lord.’ Ezekiel 37:4–6.
Request: There are times Lord when I know I’m short of Breath.
Whatever is the cause in the words of an old hymn, ‘Breathe on me Breath of
God, fill me with life anew.’ Amen.
Ego Centric Leadership
Day:18
Key insight: He has given us this command: Whoever
loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:21.
Warning signs
emerge for us to heed from what John wrote about this man. Diotrephes loves to
be first. If we are honest with ourselves we all have similar tendencies.
However there can only ever be one who holds first place in the Church. ‘He
(Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is
the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from
among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy’ (Colossians
1:17–18). Deny the Lord this right and immediately self-will stirs. Unseen, yet
always nearby, the forces of Darkness will fan self-will into an ego inferno.
Too many local fellowships have been reduced to spiritual cinders by egotistical
warring members.
Diotrephes had powerful
lips that spoke malicious words. He aimed to alienate his followers from the
apostle John and others. Was it envy or fear which motivated such opposition?
Would his true spiritual condition be unveiled in the presence of this apostle?
Unless we are in a right relationship with Jesus Christ we will feel threatened
by the person who is. The fragrance of the Lord within offends and causes
aggressive reaction in those whose odour is of the flesh. Diotrephes could have
been a man mighty in the Lord’s service, but he squandered it through an
unsanctified attitude. Lust for power and a destructive mouth can never edify
the people of God.
I wonder if there
is a clue to his spiritual condition in his name. In former years when people
were converted from paganism they changed their names. This was an indication
of belonging to a new Lord and going to a new destiny. Diotrephes kept his old
name. It meant ‘nourished by Jupiter’ the ruler of the Roman pantheon of gods.
What we read about this man tells us a lot about the source of his spiritual
nurture. Nowadays we don’t usually need to change our names when we are
converted. This is the beauty of living in a nation influenced by the Christian
faith. We do however need to ensure where our spiritual nourishment comes from.
Ultimately it will be evident to all. Psalm 139:23–23 — ‘Search me, O God, and
know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any offensive way
in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.’
The apostle urged
his readers not to imitate what is evil but what is good. Why? ‘Anyone who does
what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God’ (3
John11). This referred to an ongoing condition stretching over time and not
merely an uncharacteristic lapse. Had Diotrephes once ‘seen’ the Lord as the
gospel was presented to him? What had crept into his life and found opportunity
to kill his vision? Jesus promised the pure in heart would see God. This leader
must have allowed the impure to impair his spiritual eyesight. Jesus warned: ‘The
eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be
full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of
darkness, how great is that darkness (Matthew 6:22). Spiritual eyesight has its
dangers in the slow loss caused by the glaucoma and cataracts of faithless and immoral
living. Unless treated it blinds with devastating spiritual consequences.
We look to the
Lord by faith to be saved. We need also to
continually look to the Lord to combat the diseases of the spiritual eyes. Jesus
calls men and women out of spiritual darkness and desires them to walk in His
radiance. It is essential for
congregational leaders to have good eye-sight. Only then can they keep their
eyes focused on the Lord. When this happens the local Body of Christ enjoys
harmony, testimony and effective mission.
Reflection: What are my eyes focused upon and how is it
flooding my inner being with God’s light?
Request: Heavenly Father may
my eyes look at people and events with your compassion and wisdom. Amen.
Of Thorns and Thistles
Day: 19
Key insight: Still others, like seed sown among thorns
hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and
the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Mark 4:18–19.
Weeds, the
gardener’s curse, are symbolically a ‘death threat’ to the Word of God in the
Christian’s life. There are books, conferences and media outlets stacked with
‘thorns and thistle’ seeds. Some are rather attractive to the undiscerning soul
and are just waiting to be opened and planted.
Weed number three:
‘desires for other things.’ Combating this wide ranging class of weeds requires
constant discernment and specific attention to their influence. We may not be
overly interested in wealth. Our nature may not be too dominated by worry. We
are however included in this weed. I know mine. However as I mature in ministry
and years I find new ones emerging and needing attention. Do you recognise
yours and are you sensitive to the appearance of new weed strains? The quote
from 1 John 2:16–17 puts ‘the other things’ in three bundles clearly marked:
‘For everything in the world – the craving of sinful man, the lust of the eyes
and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from
the world.. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will
of God lives forever.’
How can a servant
of the Lord safeguard his or her heart and mind from being taken over by
‘thorns and thistles?’ Psalm 1 puts it clearly and forcefully. To delight in
the law of the Lord and to meditate upon it day and night promises protection
from withering strangulation by ‘the weeds.’ This requires diligence and
discipline otherwise the spiritual equivalent of Proverbs 24:30–34 happens.
It’s an account of a sluggard who lacked judgement, was lazy and enjoyed his
sleep. The outcome was visible to all. Poverty of his life and family and with
his ground covered by thorns and thistles!
Ministers face
this danger in regard to their spiritual lives and growth. The apostle Peter
calls on us to remember 2 Peter 1:3–4: ‘God’s ‘divine power has given us
everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who
called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very
great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the
divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.’
Peter continues, telling us to build on the
above with goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly
kindness and love. This results in a productive life. 2 Peter 1:8: ‘For if you
possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being
ineffective and unproductive (unfruitful in KJV) in your knowledge of our Lord
Jesus Christ.’
Request: May the fruit of the Holy Spirit be prolific in my spirit as
He nurtures its formation and growth. Let me not be ineffective or unproductive
in my personal life or ministry. Amen.
Preach the Word
Day: 20
Key insight: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and
out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful
instruction. 2Tim. 4:2.
In the light of
this statement we need to constantly assess our pulpit and teaching ministry.
Paul’s use of ‘Logos’ is deliberate because it has a double inference. Logos,
the Word made flesh is a majestic description of Jesus. It’s a term permeated
with a touch of the mysterious. It is also a succinct summary of the Gospel
message. When we preach the Logos we are inviting the hearers and readers into
a gold mine of glory and grace. Let’s refresh our heart and mind on some uses
of this term within the New Testament.
John 1:14. ‘The
Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the
glory of the One and only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.’ This
makes Christmas more than a goodwill gesture from Heaven to earth. It’s an
intervention! It’s a rescue mission! The virgin birth is the mode by which the
Logos became Emmanuel, God with us. The promise of the Old Testament has been
honoured. It is the confident declaration of the New.
John 15:3. ‘You
are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.’
The soul’s dirt
and debris past and current can only be cleansed by the Logos. He who was
crucified is able to cleanse us from the hereditary aspects of sin. He alone
can deliver from judgement. His poured out life is our Sin remover (1 John 1:7).
When a person opens the printed word and faithfully expounds it a confrontation
takes place. The Holy Spirit takes the logos and brings our hearers into an
encounter with the living Logos. Truly there can be no greater privilege for
the Lord’s servant than that!
John 17:14. ‘I have
given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the
world any more than I am of the world.’
This beautiful
prayer by Jesus is saturated with significance. One is the effect of the logos
upon the disciples. It is the logos which has the power to sanctify all
disciples of Christ Jesus. Ritual is impotent and emotion is deceitful. Only
the word of God applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit and obeyed by the person
is profitable. Another aspect was when Jesus made the Father known to His
followers. From out of that knowledge they believed Jesus. From belief they
honoured Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus’ pleasure in them is sensed when He
said to the Father ‘they have obeyed your word’ (John 17:6).
Reflection: How well do I know the Logos in my personal life and how clearly do I proclaim Him and His word?
Request: When I stand to preach may my hearers be confronted by the
Holy Spirit. Help me to make the spoken word to be in harmony with the written
word so Jesus, the Living Word is known. Amen.
Preach the Word (part b)
Day: 21
Key insight: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light
to my path. Ps. 119:105.
Philippians 2:14–16a
— ‘Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become
blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved
generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word
of life.’ You are God’s light bearer standing in the midst of moral and
spiritual darkness. What are you doing? Holding out the Logos! He is your life
and you are holding Him up. How do you ‘hold up’ Jesus as the logos of life? It
happens when you expound the book that reveals Him. It takes place as you
practice what it teaches. Many times you will not realise how your ‘starlight’
is touching someone. God does his best glowing through His people when they are
being naturally supernaturally spiritual.
As servants of the
Lord this makes you a marked person. You are watched. Not only by friend or foe
but by the demons of darkness and the angels of Light! What happens after
people hear the Word of God is between each individual and Jesus. Unfortunately
our Lord did warn His disciples of the result from those who hate Him. They
will take it out on His servants. Depending on various factors and countries
such antagonism could range from distaste to deadly. How important it is to be
convinced of the One in whom we believe and the importance of the Gospel. Don’t
be tempted to sell your Lord and His word short either by silence or choosing
innocuous homilies.
How can we remain
faithful under such pressure? Paul told Timothy to keep the Faith with a clear
conscience. As soldiers of the Lord we are to ‘Guard the good deposit that was
entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us’ 2
Timothy 1:14. This applies regardless of whether we consider ourselves as mere
privates or bearers of some other rank. Whatever our position the Lord calls us
to be good swordsmen and women. Not one of us is an expert over night. It all
takes time, study and application. Hebrews 4:12:‘The word of God is living and
active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing
soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the
heart.’
1 Peter 1:23–25:
‘you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through
the living and enduring word of God…the word of the Lord stands forever.’ This
is uncompromising! Either it is true or it’s simply a nice piece of advice or a
passing fad. The logos has been resisted, defamed, misused and ignored since
Adam’s day. Foes have written it off as irrelevant, untrue, mythical, ethical
but impractical. Time after time critics have predicted its demise. However in
preaching the Logos, written and Living we stand on holy unshakeable ground. Onslaughts
by critics, hypocrites and the forces of darkness come and go with their
fierceness and claims. They will never prevail! In fact such opposition causes
a biblical spiritual counter-attack. More and more evidence keeps emerging
which endorses the integrity of the Logos. Why? Because the written word has
the nature of the eternal God!
Request: When my ‘arms’ grow weary from holding up the Light of Life
before the World, please give me more ‘muscle power’ I pray. Amen
Getting to Know You
Day: 23
Key insight: In you our fathers put their trust; they
trusted you and you delivered them. They cried to you and were saved; in you
they trusted and were not disappointed.
Psalm. 22:4–5.
Under such
circumstances how is it possible to grow together in understanding and respect?
The usual reply would be to say ‘Show love and understanding.’ However how can
you show love and understanding to a stranger especially when you are
covenanted together? Within the Old Testament the Lord God used the imagery of
marriage to highlight His relationship with Israel. We could say that the
marriage was arranged through Moses whilst the nation was in Egypt. The ‘bride
price’ was paid through signs and wonders culminating in the redemption.
Between the deliverance from Egypt to the marriage at Mount Sinai the Lord
endeavoured to create an atmosphere of trust.
Read the journey
and be amazed at the Lord’s patience and providence. He sought on numerous
times to arouse the Nation’s trust in His commitment to them. They stumbled and
fell a few times but the Lord lifted them up. In this manner He showed He was
the God whose word could be trusted. They needed to trust in that reality. They
gathered around the Mount and heard the legal arrangements of their eternal
relationship. They accepted His offer. From that foundation He could say to His
bride, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your
God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.’
Deuteronomy 6:4–5.
What we see in all
of the above is a principle applicable for a pastor and congregation. The
minister is God’s servant standing in His Name to speak God’s word. As such he
is to lead God’s people. This places a heavy burden on the Pastor. As the
representative of the Lord in a unique role he has the greater responsibility
to love the people. For this to take place the Pastor must have an ongoing
encounter with the Lord. Again this will only be found true under pressure. As
he or she displays love for the Lord through faithfulness to His word respect
will be earned. From out of that love towards him/her will emerge from the
people. We can gain an understanding of this from Paul’s words in Ephesians
5:22-33. Paul used marriage as a symbol of Christ and the Church on the
backdrop of arranged marriages. Verse 33 is an interesting statement. The
husband must love his wife. She in return must respect her husband. Do you find
that rather odd? Why shouldn’t she be required to love her husband? The Greek
word actually is stronger. It calls her to ‘fear’ him.
Can you grasp the significance of this concept of the arranged marriage to Church life? The people are to honour the Pastor for his/her calling, commitment and character. As he/she gains their respect it creates a positive atmosphere. A meaningful and fulfilling relationship is being established. As time passes so trust and respect fosters love! Only then will the mutual ministry of Pastor and people be formed. It must grow strong enough to withstand the overt and subtle attacks from those who want to tear it asunder. This principle applies regardless of a congregation’s numbers. A song from years ago said you could tell when there was love in the house. Such an atmosphere must permeate the assembling together of pastor and people. What binds them together? The Lord Jesus! When the people sense Christ’s love to them through the man/woman He gave them, they will trust that servant. From that relationship each will thank God for the other. When the Pastor knows the love of his people there is no sacrifice he is unwilling to pay for them.
Request: Lord of Love, love through me. May I live openly and honestly
before my people so that they will respect the ministry. May we together honour and worship you. Amen.
The Mutual Ministry within
Marriage
Day: 24
Key insight: A
prudent wife is from the Lord. Proverbs 19:14b.
In 1 Corinthians
9:5 there is a snippet concerning the Apostle Peter in regards to the unsung
role of an apostle’s wife. The Apostle Paul wrote, ‘Don’t we have the right to
take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s
brothers and Cephas?’ Why would Peter have Mrs. ‘Peter’ accompany him on at
least some of his ministry ventures? Once again the silence of Scripture
intrigues and teases the imagination. The macho apostle in a male chauvinistic
world was uninhibited and unashamed to have his wife by his side. When Peter
wrote about wives and husbands in 1 Peter 3:1-7 was it out of personal
experience. Could he have been showing appreciation of a ‘one flesh’ relationship
within ministry? It must have motivated him (with her encouragement?) to see
converts separated by their faith woo and win their spouses to the Lord. His
advice is still relevant.
The male ego is
often fragile while at the same time lapping up the ‘crumbs’ of public
applause. Sometimes an immature personality is unsettled or jealous when his
wife receives accolades for her exercising gifts and abilities. The attitude of
Diotrephes (3 John) can be rampant within the minister’s house as well as with
a local congregation. Where, O where, is the beautiful Biblical incentive of
‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider
others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own
interests, but also to the interest of others’ Philippians 2:3, 4. In the
context of a minister’s relationship with his wife and her expressions of
ministry surely the same rule applies.
‘Do not forsake your wife, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you… Esteem her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honour you. She will set a garland of grace on your
head and present you with a crown of splendour.’ Such an outlook releases the
wife to express her gifts and abilities with the husband’s encouragement and
pride. The consequences of all this trust is to enrich her life and expands her
love, respect and admiration for her man. The testimony of such a mutual
ministry and relationship is a wonderful attraction and a strong
challenge.
When Adam was
created God gave Eve to him to be the man’s help mate. There wasn’t any
intention of competition or inferiority. God’s principle inherent in that
relationship still exists and should be best expressed within the marriage of a
minister and his wife.
Request: I love my wife and I
thank you for her role in our mutual ministry. May I be sensitive to her needs
and help her to fulfil your gifts and abilities. Amen!
Wrestling with ‘Judas’
Day: 25
Key insight: Do
not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21.
The after shocks
of Judas’ betrayal must have been immense. Strange how we are not told the way
the eleven disciples coped with it. The anger, the self recriminations for not
being alert to him and personal disappointment at being duped must have caused
turmoil. Were they realising how difficult it would be to ‘love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you?’ Did the teachings of Jesus seem so much
harder?
Request: Fulfil Romans 12:17–19 in my life as I deal with the
aftermath of a betrayal. ‘Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do
what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends
upon you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but
leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will
repay,” says the Lord.’
Without Me
Day: 26
Key insight: Apart from me (Jesus) you can do nothing.
John 15:5.
1
Corinthians 3:6 underscores the fact of God as the worker. We might be seed
carriers or water spreaders but results depend upon Him. Paul’s letter to the
Philippians 1:13: ‘it is God who works in you to will and to act according to
his good pleasure.’ Why does the Lord do it this way? He knows our sinful
nature would twist the smallest indication of our importance into a grand
parade in our honour. Our only boast is the grace of our Saviour who has called
us unto Himself. From that relationship He appointed us into His ministry.
The
Lord desires to bless us in the ministry. This will be known in time. He longs
to reward us when our ministry is concluded. This will be when we appear before
Him to give an account. It isn’t how much we have done for Him that will carry
any weight. Rather it will be to what extent has He, through the Holy Spirit
within us, been able to accomplish His heart’s delight? It is a cliché yet undeniably true. Our
Master will not be concerned with our success rating in the eyes of the World.
He will look to see how faithful we have been to His Word, His calling and His
person!
2 Timothy 4:8:‘There is in store for me the
crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me
on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his
appearing.’ However, if in the great mercy of God we should receive a crown
would we be compelled to follow the example of Revelation 4:10, ‘. . .the
twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him
who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You
are worthy, our Lord and God to receive glory and honour and power, for you
created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”’
Reflection: From which source is the motivation and
power of my ministry flowing?
Request: Lord I desire my efforts to be ‘fire
resistant.’ May I be a person in which you can fashion ‘Gold, silver and
precious gems’ so as to adorn your Name. Amen
The Walk of the Ministry
Day: 27
Key Insight: If we walk in the light as he is in the
light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son,
purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:6–7.
In our Westernised
culture certain health issues are emerging. Part of the problem is because we
are more and more spectators or computer ‘addicts.’ To combat obesity, heart
problems and blood pressure anomalies among other factors, we are being urged
to walk more. Physical activity is good for the inner being. This in turn
impacts on our outward lifestyle. Within the spiritual realm we, as ministers,
are also called to a walking program. This involves our spirit being in step
with the Holy Spirit so clearly defined in Deuteronomy 10:12–13: ‘Now. O
Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God,
to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your
heart and with all your soul and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees…’
Feature one: Truth. (verse 2) Here is the tight inner rein
which guides the outer footsteps. It directs our approach to people, issues and
controversy. The apostle John called all who claim Jesus as Lord to walk in
Truth. Anything less is counter-productive to the Faith and testimony.
Unfortunately some are confused by a godless society into thinking there are no
absolutes. For to the godless everything is relative and ‘fluid.’ This cannot
be so with those called by the Master to
know and teach the Truth. If Jesus isn’t
the Way, the Truth and the Life and His word isn’t Truth, we have no message,
no direction nor authority. It is Truth which sanctifies and by which we are
dressed for battle.
Request: Lord of my life, love through me. God of Truth, teach through
me. Faithful God achieve that in me. Amen.
Fast Food Sermons
Day: 28
Key insight: What you heard from me, keep as the pattern
of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:13.
Ministry is
demanding upon a preacher’s time, energy, emotion and family. Beware the trap
of consigning Sunday sermons and studies to T.V. style take-away meals status. This
is ultimately self– defeating and destructive. Churches with ‘spectator saints’
who are being fed on a spiritual diet of sweets and savouries have a fitness
problem. When tough times come, and they do, such Christians run out of
stamina, have faith problems and develop critical attitudes.
According to 1Timothy
1:10, sound doctrine is the measure that conforms to the glorious gospel of the
blessed God. Sound doctrine exposes the inner qualities of any person whose belief
system is laced with the poison of error and exploitation (1Timothy 6:3). There
is value in imparting of good, nutritious doctrine with its vitamins and
wholesome foods. Well nourished disciples of Christ are spared unnecessary ill
effects caused by spiritual quacks. There’s sadness in reading some sections of
the New Testament letters. Carnal chefs had penetrated the local congregation
with menus appealing to the soul but anathema to the spirit. A constant diet of
contaminated food cause congregational disorders. Effects like division,
spiritual sleeping sickness and tolerance of ungodliness resulting in moral and
spiritual coma. The letters to five of the seven churches in Revelation
highlight this truth.
Ministers are
called to be the Holy Spirit’s ‘kitchen.’ In us He must first prepare the
necessary wholesome food. It is personalised for the particular congregation. Sometimes He has a tough time with us in the
preparation phase. The ingredients we must search for and properly mix. This is
our labour over the text and its application. How easy it would be to go to a
book of quotes and sermons to simply ‘reheat, serve and eat.’ Not good enough. The labour we expend as the
‘kitchen’ is to pass Heaven’s taste test. When the meal is thereby ready He transforms
us into His waiters.
‘He has taken me
to his banqueting table and his banner over me is love’ (S. of S. 2:4)
underscores sound teaching. Worshippers need to feel they have been at a
spiritual banquet following the service. There has been the awareness of the
Lord’s presence and the covering of His banner. As they leave to serve and
witness they do so from a fully nourished spirit. For the waiters it is a
priceless privilege to distribute Heaven’s approved menu. Earth’s pilgrims of
Faith will also have been strengthened for their coming tasks and challenges.
Request: Lord am I the boss in my ‘kitchen?’ Demote me. Be the Chef
within and prepare in and through me wholesome food from your larder. Then it
will be fit for the sons and daughters of the most High God. Amen.
Prayer’s Wardrobe
Day: 29
Key Insight: I
delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me
with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness… Isaiah
61:10.
God has certain ‘dress standards’ for His people. His requirement for priests was holiness when they came into His presence. The book of Leviticus stresses this fact over and over again. God delights also in the prayers of His people. Isaiah 56:7: ‘these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer...for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.’ That applies to a future temple but at the same time there is a glorious principle to apply to ourselves. We are the “household of God” (Hebrews 3:6) as well as being His temple. (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20) Such being the case implies God wants us all to be a ‘house of prayer’. That means we must worship and serve Him in the beauty of Holiness. To approach Him otherwise is to be denied a hearing. Why? Isaiah 57:15: ‘this is what the high and lofty One says ―he who lives for ever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and lofty place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit’…’
We must consider
holiness as the atmosphere of ‘the house of prayer.’ Within the house will be
hanging various garments in which to be dressed when talking with the
Lord. Philippians 4:6 reveals some
different clothes hanging up and waiting for us to ‘put on.’ ‘Do not be anxious
about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.’ Paul repeats a similar point to Timothy in
1Timothy 2:1–2.
In 1 Thessalonians
5:16 the readers were urged to pray continually. This is impossible if it
implies without a break. God however does the impossible even with His ‘house
of clay.’ His purpose is to have the Holy Spirit exercise His delight in praying
in His house (Romans 8:26–27). Only then can we be in an unceasing prayer mode.
As we walk, talk, sit and sing, the Holy Spirit prays freely in His prayer chapel.
When we stumble the Holy Spirit’s prayers are stifled by a grieving process. Our
garment is soiled, spoiled and defiled by unholiness (Ephesians 4:21–30). Fortunately
there is provision for our cleansing and restoring His prayer ministry. He
wants to take us to the cleaner. ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.’ (1
John 1:9)
As a pastor
there are times to be ‘dressed’ in the robes of a shepherd. This ‘robe’
is made for the heart as well as the mind. We are not only to feed the ‘flock’
but protect it from the wolves and robbers by using the Lord’s rod and staff.
Sheep can be mauled or do self harm. It is then our oil of specific prayer and
godly wisdom is to be applied where they are and as it is needed.
There
are many more ‘clothing choices’ we could consider. Pursue that at your
leisure. However there is one type of garment for an effective prayer life
within ‘the house.’ This is strictly for a husband and also a father. This is
perhaps the most demanding apparel because it is the one most often worn. The
tragedy of Christian homes falling apart is due in no small part because the
husband/father is not properly ‘dressed or groomed.’ Unfortunate but true it
applies to those in ministry households.
Men
should seek the ‘spiritual ‘tailor’ to fashion a designer suit to wear at home
with the family. He has set out specifications in 1 Peter 3:7. Ephesians 5:25–33.
6:4. 1Timothy 3:1-10. The garment best designed for this setting would be the
relaxed casual suit tailored for all household activities. This ‘suit’ will
need regular cleaning. However by the grace of God the knees never wear out,
the shoulders refuse to sag, it will not be too small or large or go out of
date. God’s prayer suit for a husband/father is the most precious garment in
the ‘wardrobe.’ What is the more
remarkable about such a ‘suit’ is it can be duplicated in the lives of the
children, especially the boys. There can be no greater joy for a father than to
witness his children seeking the heart of God. What a thrill to see their desire
to be dressed in a similar style to dad.
Reflection: Am I experiencing God’s promised joy in
being His house of prayer?
Request: Are
there items in my ‘wardrobe’ needing removal, mending, dusting down or added too
once again? Be Thou my Tailor for whatever task you have in mind for me. Amen.
Scrutinised
Day: 30
Key insight: Remember your leaders, who spoke the word
of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their
faith. Hebrews 13:7.
Did the writer of
this epistle feel concerned by the interest being shown by some disciples to
other ‘religious celebrities’? Is there a suspicion about teachings which were
contrary to that of Jesus? He directed their minds back to the people who had
spoken to them the words of the Gospel. They are reminded of that which brought
them into salvation and eternal life. Some of those leaders may have paid a
heavy price for their commitment to Jesus as the promised Messiah. Whether
living or martyred, such leaders needed to be ‘revisited.’ A thorough scrutiny
as to the quality of their words, works and faith was in order. By doing this
the distracted disciples would be able to contrast the different types of
spiritual and moral leadership. Then the respective ‘fruit’ could be evaluated
under the spotlight of Scripture.
What is the
outcome of the leaders’ life? We can only guess at what is implied. However
then as now there are general and all embracing principles to practice. Writing
to a persecuted fellowship the apostle Peter said, ‘Finally, all of you, live
in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate
and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with
blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
(1 Peter 3:8–9) Some imagine the apostle Paul was slightly conceited in his
insistence to the readers of Philippians 4:9: ‘Whatever you have learned or
received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of
peace will be with you.’ This isn’t conceit it is our calling. We are to
attract men and women to the Lord and Saviour who has made us ‘attractive’ by
His grace and power.
This doesn’t mean
we will not trip over from time to time. When that happens some will be
delighted, some will cry, others will doubt or fear. However as our Lord did
with Peter so He will do with us. When Peter realised his error and repented he
realised the Lord had prayed for him, never abandoned him. The seeping sore of
betrayal was healed through Christ’s forgiveness. Peter’s testimony is not
without mistakes but they are not ulcerated sores on his character or ministry.
They are the scars which bear testimony to the healing forgiving grace of God
in Christ Jesus. As leaders we should
not give the impression of being failure proof.
To admit we have scars, without necessarily explaining their origins, is
our testimony to God’s grace. They also become and encouragement to others that
God hasn’t wiped them off His family record.
The writer of
Hebrews encourages his readers to imitate the faith of their leaders. This
imitation is not a ‘put on show’ as though they were actors. The word is in the
continuous tense pointing to an inner compulsion that works itself out in daily
life. As leaders we are to set a high standard in behaviour, faith and
relationships. This is something only possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
He is our compulsion to be Christlike. He is the source of imparting Christ’s
fragrance. He through us will challenge our ‘scrutineers’ to have a similar
compulsion.
Prayer: As you are my example
Lord Jesus make me one also to others I pray. Amen
Time’s Up
Day: 31
Key insight: Now we know that if our earthly tent we
live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven,
not built by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5:1.
The apostle Paul
is in a Roman prison under sentence of death. His ‘crime’ was that he called
Jesus, ‘Lord.’ This was a direct threat to Caesar’s claim to be lord and worthy
of worship. Christians would only call Jesus ‘Lord.’ This was considered subversive.
As such it was considered a threat to Caesar and the Roman Empire.
In writing to Timothy Paul saw his execution as an act of devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. In 2 Timothy 4:6 he likens what he will undergo as a ‘drink offering.’ In the Jewish sacrificial system this was the finale to the sacrifice of a lamb at the time of First Fruits and the Feast of Weeks. It was for the Lord’s honour alone. As the apostle contemplated leaving this life he used a word applied to a ship being loosed from its moorings. It’s also used for soldiers breaking up an encampment. Within the framework of Paul’s ministry both have meaning. However the ‘picture’ which best suits the situation would be the military one. This is in the light of his confidence that he had completed the good fight. Christians must always bear in mind that we live in a conflict zone. The World is under the dominion of the Devil and his wickedness. Those involved in the Christian ministry are in a front line role. This requires us to be constantly on guard against the enemy’s strategies aimed at destroying us.
The Scriptures reveal
various conflicts we will face in the service of the Lord. Sure none of us will
face them all or to the same degree. Unfortunately we will have times of ‘hand
to hand’ conflict with at least some. Our Commander in Chief has made sure
these things are recorded so we will not be taken by surprise or imagine things
out of the ordinary have befallen us. The Lord Jesus has listed them to serve
as a warning as well as to encourage us that He is with us in the ‘fight of
Faith.’
Switching metaphors Paul goes on to liken the ministry to a marathon. He is about to ‘breast the tape’ and appear before the Judge. Being told in advance about certain aspects of the course he had to run, Paul was under no illusions to what was ahead. (Acts 9:15, 16. 26:12–19) Not many of us ‘run’ under such clear guidelines. We are more like ‘running’ under the principles of Proverbs 3:5–6 ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.’
Request: Lord, be to my spirit ‘faith drink’ through the dry times; be
my ‘bread’ for strength in the lean times; be my joy and hope in the
disappointing times. My Lord and Saviour, may I breast the ‘tape’ with praise
to you for your faithfulness to me across the years of my ‘race.’ Amen!
The Badge of Ministry
What did Jesus have after
Three years of ministry?
Scars!
Thorns ripped His brow
Whips lashed His back,
Now healed.
Hands and side wounded
Now mended.
The Servant’s badge
Of ministry.
Our years of ministry?
Scars!
Thorns felt in hearts
Tongue lashes on souls
Now healed.
Plans and dreams ruined,
Now mended.
The servant’s badge
Of God’s ministry.
The price of ministry?
Shadows
Of Calvary’s love!
Suffered to save
Lost
Humanity,
Eternally.
What is the strength of service
The pride of ministry?
Pleasure
In Christ’s welcome,
Honouring our badges,
Pictures
Of His victory,
Personally.
©Raymond N.
Hawkins 2010
